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There are some traditional foods in Japan which people enjoy eating on this day. It is said that people started to decorate the strips on the bamboo trees in the old days because they wanted to achieve things and improve their skills just like Orihime who could weave the clothes beautifully.
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A strip of paper is a thin paper or wood cut into rectangles. In Japan, people decorate a strip of paper with their wish on bamboo trees after passing through a string. This was treated as a royal event then and became a casual celebration after Tanabata became one of the five seasonal events during the Edo period. These Chinese traditions and cultures were introduced to Japan during the Heian period (794-1192). This is because these two stars are at their brightest across the Milky Way on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. The custom of giving gifts to their lovers or families came from the legend of “Orihime” and “Hikoboshi”.Īccording to the legend, it is said that Vega (Orihime) in the constellation of Lyra, the star of the weaver, and Altair (Hikoboshi) in the constellation of Aquarius, the star of the checkers, who controls agriculture, will be reunited only on July 7 of the lunar calendar, although they have been torn apart by fate. Also, some of them give gifts to important persons. In China, they have a custom to celebrate Tanabata on the night of the seventh day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar, they do incense burning and enjoy traditional meals, etc. Also, in some places in Europe, this event is held and also is spreading even in the US recently. The custom to celebrate Tanabata is done not only in Japan, but also in several Asian countries including China. These selected women were called “Tanabatatsume” and the machine for weaving clothes as "Tanabata".Īfter the spread of Buddhism within Japan, this traditional event was held on July 7 before Obon festival and has been called “Tanabata” since then. In the old days, selected women stayed in the purified room called “Hataya” (Room for weaving) and wove the clothes where the offerings were to the god. Tanabata is a traditional Japanese event, originally intended to pray for a bountiful autumn harvest and to drive away impurities and evil spirits. EBM Sawara Cypress Hangiri Wooden Sushi Rice Mixing Bowl Click here for the product page.
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